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Supreme Court of Canada Justice Clement Gascon speaks during a welcoming ceremony at the Supreme Court of Canada Monday October 6, 2014 in Ottawa. Gascon says he suffered a panic attack the afternoon he went missing last week.Photo: Adrian Wyld

The Canadian Press

Published: May 16, 2019 - 2:07 PM

Updated: May 16, 2019 - 3:03 PM

OTTAWA — Supreme Court Justice Clement Gascon received a standing ovation Thursday after hearing his final case on the high court.

Gascon graciously thanked his family and colleagues, saying it is an immense privilege to be a judge.

Last month, Gascon, 58, announced plans to retire for unspecified personal and family reasons.

He said this week he has long struggled with anxiety and depression, and while he has generally been able to manage the illness, it recently led to a difficult episode.

Gascon said he suffered a panic attack before he briefly went missing May 8. He profusely apologized for the uncharacteristic absence, citing the effects of his difficult career decision and a change in medication.